Poio is a municipality in the province of Pontevedra, in the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain. It belongs to the comarca of Pontevedra. Poio is located in the north shore of the Ría de Pontevedra, between Sanxenxo and the provincial capital, Pontevedra. The municipality is adjacent with Meaño, Meis, Pontevedra and Sanxenxo and offers a rich fusion of mountain and sea areas.

Poio
Monastery of San Xoán
Combarro
Coat of arms of Poio
Map
Location of Poio
Coordinates: 42°26′N 8°40′W / 42.433°N 8.667°W / 42.433; -8.667
CountrySpain
Autonomous communityGalicia
ProvincePontevedra
ComarcaPontevedra
ParroquiaCombarro, Raxó, San Xoán de Poio, San Salvador de Poio, Samieira
Government
 • Alcalde (Mayor)Luciano Sobral Fernández (BNG)
Population
 (2018)[1]
 • Total17,018
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Websitehttps://www.concellopoio.gal/

Tambo island, an uninhabited island located in the middle of the Pontevedra estuary, officially belongs to Poio but it is under the control of the Spanish Navy and disembarkment is not allowed.

Geography edit

Poio has an approximate area of 34 square kilometers (13 sq mi). Its highest peak is Mount Castrove, 667 meters (2,188 ft) high and from where one can see views of the Pontevedra and Arousa estuaries. The views also spotlight the Alto de Raxó and Samieira. Its coast of more than 20 km (12 mi) is full of beautiful beaches with quiet waters.

Tambo island has an area of 0.28 square kilometers (0.11 sq mi) and its highest peak is 80 meters (260 ft) high.

Demography edit

Poio is a dormitory area of the city of Pontevedra. It has a growing market due to its proximity to the urban center (only the Lérez river separates the two municipalities). The parish of San Salvador, the nearest to the city, is the parish that increases the census. The tourism industry has begun to thrive in Raxó and Combarro within the last few years.

Sights edit

Sights include the Monastery of San Xoán de Poio, the picturesque fishing village of Combarro with its Hórreos by the sea and several prehistoric rock engraving sites; all declared Bien de Interés Cultural (Heritage of Cultural Interest).

References edit

  1. ^ Municipal Register of Spain 2018. National Statistics Institute.